Roots & Reach: Stories of Seeds Sown and Lives Touched – March 2025
It began on March 12, when 10 Grade 9 students joined our second Mental Health Awareness Workshop. The goal wasn’t just to talk about mental health, but to anchor it in the unshakable truth of Jesus Christ — the source of all peace and healing.
Two days later, on March 14, we were welcomed into RTPM Dumaguete Science High School by the hearts of 31 passionate Grade 10 students. With the help of student leaders Miguel Angelo Tiu and Bella Magalso, we delivered a Gospel-rooted workshop under their advocacy, Istorya ni Inday og Dodong. The message was clear: true wellness is spiritual. They left inspired, and so did we.
The goal wasn’t just to talk about mental health, but to anchor it in the unshakable truth of Jesus Christ — the source of all peace and healing.
Life Group Highlights: From Fellowship to Discipleship
That same week, discipleship deepened. Our Life Group with 12 graduating seniors from Holy Cross High School continued in 1 John. What started with a simple invite has turned into a small community hungry for the Word, learning how to walk in truth and love. Excited for more from this Life Group!
Women’s Month Empowerment: A Gospel Encounter
On March 20 and 21, something unexpected happened — I was invited to speak at the City Social Welfare Office for Women’s Month. It truly felt like a divine setup. My former internship supervisor from Silliman University, Ma’am Tetelle Caro, reached out after seeing a Facebook post about the Mental Health Awareness workshop I facilitated at Science High. It’s amazing how God works behind the scenes, connecting people at the right time for His purpose.
Although the event was for Women’s Month, it was quite unlikely for someone like me — a guy — to be invited as a speaker. But I believe it was God’s will, an open door to share the message of the Gospel in a setting where it was deeply needed. The women who attended were from the community — mostly single mothers, working moms, even grandmothers. Some were survivors of domestic abuse. In total, 60 women attended across two sessions.
I presented the Gospel through the lens of Mental Health Awareness and Women Empowerment. With my background in social work, I was able to share a strength-based approach, helping them rediscover the resilience and beauty of being a woman — especially in the area of spiritual health. Then I shared my mother’s faith story — the one that inspired me to follow Jesus — and it sparked something in the room. There was a wave of enthusiasm and heartfelt responses.
In the afternoon session, we did an activity called “Letter to Myself.” Each woman wrote affirming and encouraging words, which were then shuffled and handed out anonymously. Somehow, each letter seemed to speak directly into the heart of the one who received it — prophetically accurate, even. The atmosphere became sacred. Hearts were healing, tears were falling, and hope was blooming.
That day, I witnessed the power of words, stories, and divine encounters. Most of all, I saw how only Jesus can truly restore and empower, specially the lives of these women.
ARISE DUMAGUETE: “Go where there is no Gospel”
On March 29, I stepped into something larger — Arise Asia, Arise Dumaguete, a mission conference that shook my heart. Organizations like Campus Crusade (CRU), Operation Mobilization (OM), and Asia Center for Missions (ACM), and local churches gathered under the cry: “Go where there is no Gospel!”
I picked up a prayer card for the United Arab Emirates — population 9,516,871 — a number so close to the 10,000,000 souls God placed in my heart during the Haggai seminar. I believe God is showing some steps, there are connections that are being made. I wept in response to God calling. I believe it was a confirmation of my friend’s invitation to the Church of Dubai this coming September 2025 and even a friend from Zamboanga who invited me for a mission trip. I believe God is aligning steps. I am also considering being trained through ACM soon. Excited to see things unfold.
LIFE SESSIONS: Music and Mission in a Coffeehouse
Inspired by ARISE Dumaguete: Why Not Start Local?
After attending ARISE Dumaguete, I felt a deep stirring to say “Go!” — not just to the nations, but to begin where I already am. I was inspired to act, and thought, Why not start something here, in our own city? So I reached out to a few of my Christian friends who have a heart for worship and evangelism, and invited them to join this initiative. Their response was amazing — it was clear that we were all carrying the same fire.
In just a few days, the Lord birthed something new in our hearts: Life Session — a gathering centered on music and mission. And on April 4, it officially began. We held our first event at Kalapihan Coffeehouse, a cozy local café that became the perfect place for this encounter.
Life Session featured live acoustic Christian music with local artists and worshipers like Simbang Bisaya, led by Pastor Cyrus Bendijo and JM Manalo, and Influence Worship brought by Pastor Court Adrian Somoza. Through songs, testimonies, and powerful worship, the message of God’s love was shared in a relaxed and open space — a perfect atmosphere for both believers and seekers.
There was coffee, fellowship, and most of all, the Gospel in the air.
We’re incredibly thankful to Bro. Reymond Carreon, owner of Kalapihan, who didn’t just open his doors but gave his full support, including a media production setup to livestream the event and capture every moment. His generosity and heart for the kingdom made this possible.
We believe this is just the beginning. Our prayer is for Life Session to become a regular light in the city — a creative space where music meets mission, and where the Gospel can be encountered in fresh, authentic ways.
A NEW SEASON: Engagement Announcement
#JustgotEngaged
And that same special day that just got even more special — I bought a ring and proposed to my long-time girlfriend Lady, who’s also the one behind The Outcome Website. She’s stood by me through my darkest and brightest days. Now, we begin a new season together, praying for provision as we prepare for the wedding — perhaps this month, or next, Lord willing.
UP NEXT: Life Group Recollection and Expansion!
This month of April we are excited also to prepare for our Life Group Recollection — a time to reflect, grow, and plan ahead. We’re dreaming of Life Students — young people rooted in the Gospel, learning to walk in truth and boldness. Hope you can join us in prayer for this Life Movement to grow in our city.
Credits to the Photographers (Some photos are not mine)
Lunhaw Studio
Arise Dumaguete
Total People Reached This Month
Total People Reached This Month: 101
41 – Students from Science High, mental health awareness advocacy
60 – Women from the organized women’s group, mental health awareness workshop
Be Part of The Outcome
Want to Partner with Us?
If the Lord is stirring your heart to be part of what He’s doing through The Outcome, you can support us through prayer or financial giving. Every seed goes into missions, discipleship, and creative evangelism. We desire to see souls saved and lives transformed — for His glory alone.
HOW?
Pray: Join us in prayer as the Apostle Paul urged in Colossians 4:3–4 (NKJV):
“…that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ… that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”
Partner: Support The Outcome financially and help us spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, winning more souls for His Kingdom. Your financial support will aid us in buying the right equipment and tools to improve our audio sermons, podcast, website and other platforms and possibilities to spread the gospel both online and physical outreach.
Connect: If you live in Dumaguete City or nearby, connect with us to see what the Lord is doing in our ministry. Reach out at info@the-outcome.com.
To support, message us at:
📩 info@outcome.com
🌐 www.the-outcome.com/donate
Let’s continue to walk in faith, reaching every soul, one story at a time.
All glory belongs to Jesus!
In Christ, Mark Daniel Lanaria – Founder, The Outcome